Experts say affordability and remote work driving Bay Area migration to Sacramento

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]In tonight's [music] Dollars and Sense, a new study shows Sacramento and six surrounding counties are the most popular destination for relocating house hunters. I talked with a local real estate broker about why our region is so appealing and what this means for you.

[00:00:18]What did you think of this report? Well, you know, I'm I'm not really surprised.

[00:00:22]This is something I've I've seen for several years now. Redfin says nearly one in five house hunters are looking to relocate and Sacramento, Placer, Nevada, El Dorado, Yuba, Sutter, and Yolo counties are their top choice. You know, Sacramento really offers a combination that's really hard to find right now, which is the affordability, lifestyle, and I think the flexibility. Kevin Otto, Sacramento-based broker and owner of Greenhaven Capital says, "With the rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people from the Bay Area have been moving to the Sacramento area. In fact, the study ranks San Jose, San Francisco number three on the list of places home buyers are leaving."

[00:01:04]Buyers that are coming from places like the Bay Area get significantly more bang for their buck. You know, and in many cases, they could keep a similar income and dramatically lower their monthly costs. Otto says, "When more people want to move to our region, it supports home values, helps home sell faster, and brings more economic activity into the region. More people moving into the area means more spending, more businesses coming in, and over time, that can lead to more job opportunities." He says, "We're already seeing that with growth in sectors like healthcare, government, and tech." If you take a good look at Sacramento, there are tons of lower-cost homes compared to other areas, and I still think, generally speaking, it is a very affordable area to live in.

[00:01:50]A reminder, Otto says, "When you're looking for a home, it's not just about the maximum mortgage amount you qualify for, it's really about the maximum you can afford every month. For more money advice, stream all of our Dollars and Sense coverage right now on the free ABC 10 app. Email me your money questions at [email protected].